Helicopter Pilot Preparation

Saint Louis University’s helicopter pilot preparation program prepares you for certification
by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly helicopters.

About the Program

Offered through our School for Professional Studies, this program partners with Midwest Helicopter to allow you to train to become a helicopter pilot while earning an undergraduate
degree from SLU.

Students can take this series of courses paired with any bachelor's degree offered
within the School for Professional Studies.

Please note that this program is designed for students who have no current FAA-approved
helicopter pilot license. Students who have obtained a particular FAA-approved license,
such as a private pilot license, will begin taking courses at the 2000 level. Students
using VA benefits should be aware that the VA will not certify reimbursement for private
pilot (1000-level) courses.

Graduates leave with private, commercial and instrument helicopter licenses. They
can fly as an independent contract aviator, as a commercial pilot or a government
employee with the Federal Aviation Administration or the Department of Agriculture.
Other career options include instructor pilot, fly for hospitals, support civil defense
and law enforcement efforts.

Applicant Criteria

Students interested in studying helicopter pilot preparation at SLU must apply directly
to the School for Professional Studies. Applications are accepted and processed on
a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply for admission at least one month
before the beginning of the term in which they wish to enroll.

To be eligible for admission, School for Professional Studies students must be at
least 22 years old (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis). Students must
have a high school diploma or a GED composite score of at least 2250, and have at
least three years of work experience or the equivalent. Students must also successfully
complete an admission meeting with a SPS admissions counselor.

Unique Partnership with Midwest Helicopter

SLU is the only four-year Jesuit institution to offer helicopter training. Midwest
Helicopter trains pilots seven days a week out of the St. Louis Downtown Airport located
in Cahokia, Illinois — the same airport used by flight students at SLU’s Parks College
of Engineering, Aviation and Technology.